Refrigerator coaster and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A coaster for positioning on a surface within a refrigerator to provide a barrier between the refrigerator surface and consumables stored in the refrigerator can include an elongate panel having a first substantially straight side edge, and a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge. First and second opposed contoured side edges connect the first and second straight side edges, and there is at least one perforated line, by which a portion of the panel is removable by tearing along the perforated line. As such, the size and shape of the panel can be varied to conform to a various shelves and bins within a refrigerator.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/585,404, filed Jan. 11, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in a refrigerator to protect the surfaces of the refrigerator from stains resulting from leakage and condensation. One embodiment of the invention comprises a refrigerator liner that is perforated along such that the size of the coaster can be easily adjusted to conform to varying sizes of refrigerator shelves and/or compartments.

Containers holding food and beverages stored in a refrigerator often leak or spill causing stains on the surfaces of the refrigerator that can be difficult to clean. In addition, food items, such as fruits, vegetables and meats, are often stored in refrigerator compartments and forgotten by the owner for long periods of time. The resulting spoilage of the long forgotten food typically results in the production of malodorous liquid leaking and staining the refrigerator surface. Condensation forming on food and beverage containers can also produce unwanted liquid on the refrigerator surfaces.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus to protect the surfaces of a refrigerator from such spills and leaks to minimize the work necessary to keep the refrigerator clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that acts as protective barrier between food and beverage items and the surface of the refrigerator on which the items are placed. Another object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator liner, in which the user can easily adjust the size and shape to conform to varying sizes of refrigerator shelves and compartments. These and other objects of the invention can be obtained in the preferred embodiments of the invention described below.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a coaster apparatus for positioning on a surface of a refrigerator and providing a moisture barrier thereon. The coaster comprises a first substantially straight side edge, a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge having a length shorter than the first side edge, and first and second opposed contoured side edges connecting the first and second straight side edges.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is comprised of a liquid absorbent material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is comprised of a water repelling material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is comprised of cellulose paper board and/or starch paper board.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster has a top surface and a bottom surface, and there is a decorative design on the top surface.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is adapted for positioning on a surface of refrigerator shelves and bins.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is adapted for positioning on a surface of interior door shelves of refrigerators.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster includes at least one perforated line, such that a portion of the coaster is removable.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is perforated along a substantially straight line substantially parallel to the first and second straight side edges, which extends from the first contoured side edge to the second contoured side edge.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is perforated along a first line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge. The first line is proximate the first contoured side edge, and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster is perforated along a second line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge. The second line is proximate the second contoured side edge, and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first straight side edge has a length of approximately 13⅝ inches, the second straight side edge has a length of approximately 7½ inches, and the first straight side edge is spaced approximately 6 5/16 inches from the second straight side edge. As such, the coaster is shaped and sized for positioning in interior door shelves of refrigerators.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for positioning on a surface within a refrigerator to provide a barrier between the refrigerator surface and consumables stored in the refrigerator comprises an elongate panel having a first substantially straight side edge, and a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge. First and second opposed contoured side edges connect the first and second straight side edges, and there is at least one perforated line, by which a portion of the panel is removable by tearing along the perforated line. As such, the size and shape of the panel can be varied to conform various shelves and bins within a variety of refrigerators.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first substantially straight side edge is longer than the second substantially straight side edge, and the first and second contoured side edges have a convex contour.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the panel is made from a liquid absorbent material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the panel has a bottom surface for positioning on a refrigerator surface, and a top surface for receiving refrigeratable items thereon, such that the apparatus provides a barrier preventing liquid leaking from the refrigeratable items from contacting the refrigerator surface.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the panel includes a first perforated line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, which is proximate the first contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge, a second perforated line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, which is proximate the second contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge, and a third perforated line extending from the first contoured side edge to the second contoured side edge, which is substantially parallel to the first and second straight side edges. As such, at least three sections of the panel can be removed by tearing along the first, second and/or third perforated lines.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing liquids and solids emanating from items stored in a refrigerator from contacting interior surfaces of the refrigerator includes providing a coaster apparatus having an elongate panel conforming to a shape and size of a shelf within a refrigerator. The panel has an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one perforated line defining at least one removable section of the panel. The bottom surface of the coaster apparatus is positioned on a surface of the refrigerator shelf, and at least one item to be stored in the refrigerator is positioned on the upper surface of the coaster apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the user can tear along the perforated line to remove at least one removable section of the panel to alter the coaster apparatus to conform to a shape and size of various refrigerator shelves.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the coaster apparatus can be made using laser cutting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a refrigerator coaster according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the refrigerator coaster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective environmental view of the refrigerator coaster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another perspective environmental view of the refrigerator coaster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another perspective environmental view of the refrigerator coaster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE

A refrigerator coaster according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. As used throughout this application, “refrigerator” refers generally to any cooling apparatus that can include refrigeration and/or freezer sections. As such, the coaster 10 can be used in both refrigeration and freezer sections of a conventional refrigerator.

As shown in FIG. 1, the coaster 10 comprises an elongate panel having a first straight side edge 12, a relatively shorter straight side edge 14, and two contoured side edges 16, 18 joining the two straight side edges 12, 14. Preferably, the contoured side edges 12, 14 have a convex curvature, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The coaster 10 can be made of a cellulose/starch paper board, or other suitable material. The coaster 10 has a top surface shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and a bottom surface shown in FIG. 5. The top surface of the coaster 10 can have a decorative design, such as the pattern of dots shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coaster 10 can be perforated along lines 20, 22 and 24. As such, the size of the coaster 10 can be easily reduced to fit into a smaller desired area by tearing at one or more of the perforated lines 20, 22, 24 and removing portions of the coaster. Preferably, the coaster 10 also includes score lines 32, 34, beginning at opposite ends of the first straight side 12, approximately one-half inch inward from the perforated lines 22, 24, respectively, and extending for approximately three inches until they terminate at the perforated lines, 22, 24, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2.

Preferably, the first straight side 12 has a length of approximately 13⅝ inches, and the second straight side 14 has a length of about 7½ inches. Preferably, the distance from the first straight side 12 to the shorter straight side 14 is about 6 5/16 inches. Additional preferred dimensions of the coaster 10 are shown in FIG. 2. These preferred dimensions make the coaster particularly suitable for positioning in the interior door shelves of most conventional refrigerators.

The coaster 10 is preferably made using a laser cutting technique, which minimizes cracking along the outer edges 12, 14, 16, 18 and perforation lines 20, 22, 24. Laser cutting allows for manufacturing the coaster 10 in up to two thousand different sizes, thereby eliminating the need to create a die, such as is used in steel rule die manufacturing processes, for each different size. Laser cutting also allows for customized sizing to particular refrigerator models. For example, potential customers can go to an Internet website and select a particular coaster sized to fit their particular refrigerator model by entering the make and model of their refrigerator on the website. This information can then be entered into a computer database having linked to the laser cutter, which contains the specifications corresponding to the selected model enabling the laser cutter to cut the correct size and shape.

A method of using the coaster 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The coaster 10 can be positioned on the bottom of a refrigerator shelf 50, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, various food and beverage containers 60 can be positioned on the coaster 10. As such, any leakage and/or spillage from the food containers 60 is received on the coaster 10, and does not directly contact the refrigerator shelf 50.

Another method of using the coaster 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. The coaster 10 can be part of a promotional piece 70 that comes with a new refrigerator. The promotional piece 70 can be positioned within the refrigerator's water/ice dispenser section 80, as shown in FIG. 5. The coaster 10 can be attached to the promotional piece 70 along a perforated line, and the user can remove the coaster 10 by tearing along the perforated line.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6, and shown generally at reference numeral 100. A sheet 100 contains a plurality of refrigerator coasters 110. Preferably, the sheet 100 has a length of 44¾ inches and a width of 30¼ inches. The sheet 100 contains ten substantially rectangular coasters 110. Preferably, each coaster 110 has a length of about 14 inches and a width of about 8½ inches. The coasters 110 are attached to the sheet 100 along perforated lines 120, and each coaster 110 has three substantially parallel perforated lines 122, 124, 126 extending across the width of the coaster 110. Additional preferred dimensions of the sheet 100, including positioning of the perforated lines 122, 124, 126 within each coaster 110, are provided in FIG. 6.

Each coaster 110 can be removed from the sheet 100 by tearing along the coaster's respective perforated line 120. The size of each coaster 110 can be adjusted by tearing along perforated lines 122, 124, 126 as desired to conform to the size of various surface areas within a refrigerator.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7, and shown generally at reference numeral 200. A sheet 200 contains a plurality of refrigerator coasters 210. Preferably, the sheet 200 has a length of 44¾ inches and a width of 30¼ inches. The sheet 200 contains six substantially rectangular coasters 210. Preferably, each coaster 210 has a length of about 14 inches and a width of about 13 inches. The coasters 110 are attached to the sheet 100 along perforated lines 220, and each coaster 210 has a first perforated line 222 extending lengthwise on the coaster 210, and a second perforated line 224 extending across the width of the coaster 210, in substantially perpendicular orientation to the first perforated line 222. Additional preferred dimensions of the sheet 100, including positioning of the perforated lines 222, 224 on each coaster 210, are provided in FIG. 7.

A refrigerator coaster and a method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of the preferred embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A coaster apparatus for positioning on a surface of a refrigerator and providing a moisture barrier thereon, comprising: (a) a first substantially straight side edge; (b) a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge and having a length shorter than the first side edge; and (c) first and second opposed contoured side edges connecting the first and second straight side edges.
 2. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is comprised of a liquid absorbent material.
 3. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is comprised of a water repelling material.
 4. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of cellulose paper board and starch paper board.
 5. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and further comprising a decorative design on the top surface.
 6. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for positioning on a surface of refrigerator shelves and bins.
 7. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for positioning on a surface of interior door shelves of refrigerators.
 8. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one perforated line, whereby a portion of the apparatus is removable.
 9. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is perforated along a substantially straight line substantially parallel to the first and second straight side edges, and extending from the first contoured side edge to the second contoured side edge, whereby a portion of the apparatus is removable.
 10. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is perforated along a first line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, said first line proximate the first contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge, whereby a portion of the apparatus is removable.
 11. A coaster apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is perforated along a second line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, said second line proximate the second contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge, whereby a portion of the apparatus is removable.
 12. A coaster apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first straight side edge has a length of approximately 13⅝ inches, the second straight side edge has a length of approximately 7½ inches, and the first straight side edge is spaced approximately 6 5/16 inches from the second straight side edge, whereby the apparatus is shaped and sized for positioning in interior door shelves of refrigerators.
 13. An apparatus for positioning on a surface within a refrigerator to provide a barrier between the refrigerator surface and consumables stored in the refrigerator comprising an elongate panel comprising: (a) a first substantially straight side edge; (b) a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge; (c) first and second opposed contoured side edges connecting the first and second straight side edges; and (d) at least one perforated line, wherein a portion of the panel is removable by tearing along the at least one perforated line, whereby the size and shape of the panel can be varied to conform to a desired refrigerator surface.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein first substantially straight side edge is longer than the second substantially straight side edge, and the first and second contoured side edges have a convex contour.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the panel comprises a liquid absorbent material.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the panel includes a bottom surface for positioning on a refrigerator surface, and a top surface for receiving refrigeratable items thereon, whereby the apparatus provides a barrier preventing liquid leaking from the refrigeratable items from contacting the refrigerator surface.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the panel includes: (a) a first perforated line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, the first line proximate the first contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge; (b) a second perforated line extending from the first straight side edge to the second straight side edge, the second line proximate the second contoured side edge and contoured similarly to the first contoured side edge; (c) a third perforated line extending from the first contoured side edge to the second contoured side edge, the third line extending substantially parallel to the first and second straight side edges; and (d) wherein at least three sections of the panel can be removed by tearing along the first, second and third perforated lines.
 18. A method of preventing liquids and solids emanating from items stored in a refrigerator from contacting interior surfaces of the refrigerator comprising: (a) providing a coaster apparatus comprising an elongate panel conforming to a shape and size of a shelf within a refrigerator, the panel having an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one perforated line defining at least one removable section of the panel; (b) positioning the bottom surface of the coaster apparatus on a surface of the refrigerator shelf; and (c) positioning at least one item to be stored in the refrigerator on the upper surface of the coaster apparatus.
 19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of tearing along the at least one perforated line to remove the at least one removable section of the panel to alter the coaster apparatus to conform to a shape and size of a different refrigerator shelf.
 20. A method according to claim 18, wherein the step of providing a coaster apparatus further comprises laser cutting the panel to include: (a) a first substantially straight side edge; (b) a second substantially straight side edge extending substantially parallel to the first straight side edge and having a length shorter than the first side edge; and (c) first and second opposed contoured side edges connecting the first and second straight side edges. 